Introduction

Sport diplomacy scholarship has continued to grow in recent years. This new literature builds on earlier ideas but moves beyond the studies as a battle between superpowers or the hosting of mega-events. Moving beyond these countries to consider regional rivalries, minority or oppressed groups, and middle powers brings greater insight into sport diplomacy and how it has functioned, particularly as a form of soft power. The Olympic movement and football are still important within sport diplomacy, but their examination from states other than the dominant countries provides more nuanced understanding. In addition, newer sport diplomacy scholarship incorporates different countries and sports, and increasingly considers women athletes and teams as important actors within sport diplomacy.

female athletes · Football · mega-events · Middle powers · Olympic movement · recognition · regional rivalry · Soft power · sports diplomacy · International Relations and Foreign Policy · Physical Education and Sports Studies · Sport and Mega-Event Impacts